A Shagadelic Interstellar Summer By Desson Howe Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, May 21, 1999

"Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me."

Of course, there's a decent chance that George Lucas's "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" might pip Mike Myers's movie at the post by a margin of, oh, several billion dollars – earned in perpetuity on the aching backs of the theater owners of America who have agreed to honor every single Lucas commandment. (One rule: Mall theater owners must keep "Phantom Menace" running in their prime theater until either Liam Neeson's great-grandchildren are old enough to swing a light saber, or James Cameron calls a press conference to say, "I'm sorry, I meant George Lucas is King of the World.")

But make no mistake: If "Star Wars" is the clear front-runner, there are plenty of galloping contenders hard at its heels; which means, more importantly, plenty of entertainment for everyone.

This weekend, DreamWorks is hoping that "The Love Letter," starring Kate Capshaw, will sweep up the enormous number of moviegoers unable to get into the "Star Wars" shows. It could amount to a lucrative consolation vote.

Come June 11, that randy Man of Mystery may just knick a few quid from the Lucas coffers, baby. His recognition factor as Austin Powers is very high, helped considerably by the bevy of promotions Myers has pushed with everything from Virgin Atlantic Airlines to plain old milk.

Speaking of comedy, I've got high hopes for "Bowfinger" (July 23), a first-time teaming of Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy – who plays a nerd with huge braces in that 20-foot-wide mouth. As for the debut "South Park" movie, opening June 30, Kenny and company are likely to garner a fat slice of the young vote – before Kenny bites the usual big one. For those few kids still innocent in America, there is always Walt Disney's animated "Tarzan" (opening June 18), which is poised for its usual $100 million-plus gross, with even more coming from merchandise tie-ins.

In this summer race, don't rule out thoroughbreds Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who bared more than their souls for the late director Stanley Kubrick in the psychological thriller "Eyes Wide Shut." From all reports, this movie – slated for release on July 16 – will be intense.

In the lover's lane, there are more than a few dark horses at the ready. Leading in this department is Julia Roberts, who gets two shots at the heartwarming big time this summer in "Notting Hill" (May 28) and "Runaway Bride" (July 30); and there's always handsome ol' Pierce Brosnan, who reprises the Steve McQueen role from "The Thomas Crown Affair" opposite Rene Russo, in early August.

Lucas's droids may rule. But on Earth, Will Smith is presently the biggest performer in Hollywood, in terms of per-picture gross. On June 30, with the release of "Wild Wild West," he's looking to outflank 1997's triumph – a little thing called "Men in Black."

Excited? Psyched? Take a glance at this year's lineup of summer movies.